Called two Alabama dealers about 2016

"Do you know when you'll get the 2016 Prius in?"

Serra Toyota - connected me to a salesman who said in their sales meeting,'We need to move the 2015s to make room for the 2016.' But he had no date. I also learned the dealership changed owners so my last link to them is gone.

Bill Penny Toyota - connected me to a salesman who had nothing unless I visited their dealership. He said if I am interested, by visiting, I can get the car I want. I told him I want a "Two Eco" with TSS . . . <crickets>.

Southeast Toyota has a poor reputation. They overload the cars at the port with things I don't want and jack up the price. Then their dealers sell Prius only if they have too. I understand Fayetteville is not in this region and I can also work through Costco.

I am not expecting to replace our Prius until 2017-2018, long enough for the infantile problems to work out. Hopefully, Toyota will do a midway upgrade so I can get the Prius I want.

Bob Wilson

 

Called Fayetteville Toyota, part of Ohio Region. They have an alotment for a Two built Dec 3 to be there in January. Everything conducted over the phone. Very professional.

Bob Wilson

 

The 2,000 mile delivery to Huntsville would be . . . ugh!

Bob Wilson

 

So I drove up to Fayetteville, TN, to pick-up my Prius, Lotto-financing, tickets and stopped at the Toyota dealer. The sales critter only had 2015 models and asked me to wait. About 5 minutes later, as I was watching a gasser RV-4 getting parked in the show room, the manager comes:

• "There has been a delay at the port. We're not expecting them until early February."
• "Ok, well I hope they get here before the big Prius Super-bowl commercial."

It was a slow, Tuesday afternoon but if I hadn't showed up . . . you could tell the sales critters were lookin' thin.

Regardless, I drove through town, to the non-Alabama side, and found a package store next to a Lotto shop. No crowds, well lit, and when I asked,"Where are the crowds?"

Clerk answered, they all meet at the stores by the Alabama border. I pointed out,"I drive a Prius so it doesn't cost me much to drive a little further." And she said,"Well gas is so cheap . . ."

I didn't have the heart to point out the Alabama Lotto buyers drive pick-up trucks and SUVs. They would have burned $2 in gas, one chance, just to reach her store.

Bob Wilson

 

I found one in Columbia TN, about an hour away.

I'll pick it up on the way back from the Lotto office. <GRINS>

Bob Wilson

 

Well the phone number at cars.com was wrong but Google gave me: 931-388-3006. So the receptionist sent me to a sales critter and I got his 'voice mail' and I called back.

The second salesman didn't know if they had in 2016, yet, so I gave him my office number so he can call me back when he knows they will be coming in. About five minutes later, they are expecting one next week, an ECO. I asked them to give me a call when it gets in.

'Larry Cambell' of Roberts Toyota called, my third call, and let me know it is expected in two weeks and he'll give me a call. Sounds like "Road Trip!" is coming.

Bob Wilson

 

Fayetteville Toyota called Friday, an hour before the snow closed the base. They got a 'Two' in Thursday. So I suggested this was not a good day to drive up there. Still Saturday is a possibility although I'm not fond of being out in high winds with sub-freezing temperatures, snow and ice about. Tuesday would be better.

Sounds like the inventory is finally getting out to the 'fly-over' areas.

Bob Wilson

 

So Fayetteville called,'We have a 2016.' Yes they did, a Prius v. <SIGH>

Apparently they got a black one last week and sold it the same day. I would get mad about the drive and waste of time but it was like being with toddlers. I told them they would have trouble keeping them on the lot.

Bob Wilson